There are many assumptions made about the residents of the Foyer, which is based in December House in Copse Cross St, especially since the tragic news of the stabbing which took place there in March. There have even been calls from some of the neighbours for it to be closed down.

However when I visited this large, well maintained house, it was to discover that it is a calm and tidy hive of industry. From cooking pizzas to planting seeds, residents and staff were involved in activities designed to encourage independence.

'A home', 'a place where I can be quiet and study' and 'a place where I can join in with cooking and lots of other activities to help me live on my own'. These were just a few of the comments made by the residents of the Foyer abut the scheme which helps them to live independently, be accepted and participate in their community. Read the full feature in this week's Gazette.